The 5 key essential oils for a calm and serene mind

A natural approach to mental well-being: context and prospects

Discussing mental well-being in France is often akin to navigating tricky waters. Unlike other cultures, where discussion of mental well-being is more open, in France the subject remains shrouded in caution, even taboo. This reserve, fuelled by fear of judgment or misunderstanding, can prevent many people from seeking the support they need.

Faced with this challenge, natural and gentle methods for mental well-being, such as the use of essential oils, are becoming an attractive alternative. These natural extracts, with their virtues recognized for centuries in various parts of the world, offer a reassuring route for those seeking to balance their minds away from conventional, perhaps more medicated, approaches.

Why is mental well-being important?

Because yes, your mental well-being is an integral part of your overall well-being. Your mental well-being strongly influences the way you feel, think and act. It can affect every aspect of your life, from your bond with other people, to your self-esteem, to the functioning of your immune system.

When considering how to increase their longevity, many people focus more on their physical fitness. But it's just as important to give the same level of care and consideration to your mental well-being.

The link between mental well-being and essential oils

There are simple steps you can take to improve your mental well-being. Implementing some of the tips we'll look at in this article could help you cope better with life's ups and downs, improve your mood and better manage your emotions.

This article highlights five major essential oils, renowned for their beneficial effects on the mental state. By exploring their properties and sharing examples of their use in various cultural contexts, we offer an enriching and respectful perspective on mental well-being. Our aim? To open a benevolent and informed dialogue on natural ways to achieve serenity and mental harmony.

Landema - Groupe Biolandes

True lavender: an ancestral remedy for mental calm

True lavender: properties and benefits for mental well-being

True lavender(Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil has long been recognized for its calming and relaxing properties. It is widely used to promote relaxation and relieve stress and anxiety. Its ability to induce relaxation makes it a preferred choice for those seeking to improve their mental well-being.

Historical and cultural use

Lavender has been used for millennia in various civilizations, and has always played an important role in wellness practices. In ancient Rome, it was used to perfume baths and relax the mind. In France, its use goes back centuries, and it continues to be an essential element of aromatherapy.

Aromatic composition of True Lavender essential oil

Particularly rich in linalyl acetate, a molecule with calming effects on the nervous system, True Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is traditionally recognized as a powerful tool for promoting a soothed, relaxed state of mind and deep sleep.

How to use True Lavender essential oil

Diffuse a few drops of True Lavender essential oil in your bedroom 10 to 20 minutes before bedtime. You can also massage your solar plexus with 2-3 drops of this essential oil, or put 1 drop on your pillow, on a handkerchief or on each wrist, so you can inhale it during the night.

To find out more about True Lavender essential oil, read our article Lavender essential oil: how to use it?

Landema - Groupe Biolandes

Ylang-Ylang: a tropical treasure for emotional balance

Ylang-Ylang: properties and benefits for mental well-being

Ylang-Ylang(Cananga odorata) essential oil, with its bewitching, exotic aromas, is renowned for its beneficial effects on mental well-being. It is particularly effective at regulating heart rate and calming muscular contractions, contributing to relaxation. Ylang-Ylang is often recommended for its soothing, mood-stabilizing action, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Historical and cultural use

Native to Southeast Asia, Ylang-Ylang has always been an important component of traditional health practices in this region. Used in rituals and aromatic blends, this essential oil has long been appreciated for its relaxing and balancing properties.

Aromatic composition of Ylang-Ylang essential oil

Ylang-Ylang(Cananga odorata) essential oil is a rich bouquet of aromatic molecules such as linalool, benzyl benzoate and esters(geranyl acetate and benzyl acetate), making it an excellent general anti-fatigue agent, both physical and mental/psychological.

How to use Ylang-Ylang essential oil

Its use as a diffuser is particularly effective in creating an environment conducive to relaxation and serenity. Add a few drops ofYlang-Ylang(Cananga odorata) essential oil to your diffuser and leave it on for up to 30 minutes whenever you feel the need.

Mixing a few drops with vegetable oil for a massage is another way to enjoy its benefits. This method allows direct absorption of the oils' properties through the skin, while offering a moment of physical relaxation.

Discover the cultivation of Ylang-Ylang in Madagascar and the Comoros in our article Ylang-Ylang: choosing organic for a sustainable future.

Petit Grain Bigarade: soothing nervous disorders

Petit Grain Bigarade: properties and benefits for mental well-being

Petit Grain Bigarade(Citrus aurantium var. amara) essential oil is particularly prized for its calming and comforting properties on the nervous system. It is recommended for soothing nervous and psychological disorders, promoting a state of relaxation and mental well-being. Its action on the nervous system makes it an invaluable tool for those seeking to ease tension and cultivate serenity.

Cultural heritage and traditional use

Petit Grain Bigarade, from the bitter orange tree, has a rich cultural heritage. Traditionally used for its relaxing and comforting virtues, it is an integral part of many wellness practices in various cultures, notably Chinese and North African. Its use extends from traditional health care to relaxation rituals, highlighting its importance in the history of mental well-being.

Aromatic composition of Petit Grain Bigarade essential oil

Linalyl acetate and linalool are two major components of Petit Grain Bigarade essential oil(Citrus aurantium var. amara), giving it its calming properties.

How to use Petit Grain Bigarade essential oil

Here again, diffusion is the best way to use Petit Grain Bigarade essential oil to manage stress and anxiety naturally and effectively. Alone or in synergy with the other essential oils in our selection, it will help create a calm, serene atmosphere.

Find a wide range of essential oils of the highest quality on Landema's online boutique.

Roman chamomile: gentleness and emotional balance

Roman chamomile: properties and benefits for mental well-being

Roman Chamomile(Anthemis nobilis) essential oil is often cited for its relaxing and soothing properties. It is particularly effective for calming the mind and promoting emotional balance. Its mildness makes it a popular essential oil for easing nervous tension and bringing a sense of inner peace.

History and cultural use

For centuries, Roman Chamomile has been used in various cultures for its therapeutic virtues. It was prized in ancient Egypt for its calming properties, and was also used in traditional European medicines to treat a variety of ailments, including stress and anxiety-related disorders.

Aromatic composition of Roman Chamomile essential oil

Its high concentration of terpene esters (mainly isobutyl angelate, isobutyrate and isoamyl butyrate) and terpene ketones (pinocarvone) makes this essential oil a powerful central nervous system calming agent, with antispasmodic and pre-anesthetic properties.

How to use Roman chamomile essential oil

You can use Roman Chamomile essential oil for inhalation, by placing 1 drop on a handkerchief, or even diffusing it for 10 to 20 minutes whenever you feel the need, in the evening for example, preferably in synergy with another essential oil as its fragrance is a little heady. For topical application, dilute 1 drop of Roman Chamomile essential oil in 9 drops of a vegetable oil of your choice and massage into your solar plexus or the soles of your feet.

To find out more about the benefits of this precious essential oil, read our article Camomille noble or Camomille romaine, are they the same thing?

Lemon essence: a mental tonic

Lemon essence: properties and benefits for mental well-being

The essential oil or essence of Lemon(Citrus limon) is renowned for its ability to improve concentration and ward off stress, thus contributing to greater mental well-being. Its refreshing and revitalizing properties help to clear the mind, making it particularly useful in situations requiring sustained attention or to combat mental fatigue.

Cultural heritage and traditional use

Historically, Lemon essence has been used in various cultures for its benefits to the mind and body. In traditional medicine, it was often used for its stimulating and purifying effect. Its lively, energizing aroma has always been associated with mental clarity and alertness.

Aromatic composition of Lemon essence

Mainly composed of limonene and beta-pinene, essence of Lemon(Citrus limon) is reputed to be an excellent nerve stimulant and mental tonic of choice. It helps combat confusion and mental fatigue.

How to use Lemon essence

On its own or in synergy with other selected essential oils, use Lemon essence as a diffuser, particularly in work or study areas, to foster an atmosphere conducive to productivity and creativity.

However, do not use pure on the skin, as it can be irritating, and especially not before exposure to the sun, even diluted, as it is photosensitizing.

Note: It's important to remember that essential oils should be used with caution, especially by pregnant women, children and people with specific health problems. It is always advisable to consult a health professional or aromatherapist for personalized advice on the use of essential oils.

Mental well-being: a sensitive subject in France

Perceptions and taboos in France

In France, mental well-being is often surrounded by taboos and reluctance to discuss it openly. This can be attributed to a long cultural history in which mental wellbeing is associated with stigma and prejudice. Many French people are reluctant to discuss their mental wellbeing issues for fear of being perceived as weak or deranged. This reticence can lead to increased isolation and distress for those struggling with mental wellbeing issues.

A gentle approach with essential oils

In this context, essential oils offer a gentler, less intimidating approach to tackling mental wellbeing. They enable individuals to take care of their mental wellbeing in a discreet and autonomous way, without having to face judgement or prejudice. The use of essential oils can be a first step towards the acceptance and management of mental well-being, encouraging individuals to recognize and deal with their emotions in a healthy and natural way.

Encouraging open discussion

Although the subject remains delicate, it is essential to promote a more open discussion of mental well-being in France. Aromatherapy, with its gentle approach and deep historical roots, can act as a bridge to initiate conversations in this area. By sharing information about essential oils and their benefits, we can help de-stigmatize discussions around mental wellbeing and encourage greater understanding and acceptance of this important issue.

Cultivating serenity with nature and essential oils - a step towards mental well-being

By exploring the world of essential oils, from soothing True Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia) to energizing Lemon(Citrus limon), we explored how these natural treasures can be integrated into our daily lives to promote mental well-being. Each essential oil, with its unique properties and cultural heritage, offers a pathway to relaxation, emotional balance and mental clarity.

By encouraging a more open and informed approach to mental well-being, and recognizing the benefits of natural methods such as aromatherapy, we can all contribute to a healthier, more empathetic environment. Essential oils are not just tools for well-being; they are messengers of a holistic approach to life, where caring for the mind is as important as caring for the body.

For further information on essential oils, or to purchase the highest quality, visit Landema.com, the French specialist in online sales of natural extracts direct from the producer.

Sources: Ma Bible des huiles essentielles by Danièle Festy and 100 Huiles essentielles, Comment les utiliser correctement by Théophane de la Charie